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Home » Consumer Information » Automobile Tips

Automobile Maintenance

How many times have you heard that purchasing a new car is a horrible investment? There probably have been plenty, but the power to make sure your car does not self-destruct lies in your hands. By taking the time to learn the basics of vehicle maintenance, you will avoid a trip to the local auto repair shop and hold onto some cash at the same time. Having the knowledge to perform a fluid check may be all it takes to keep your car running efficiently and dodge misfortunes such as paying as much as $1,000 for your transmission to be rebuilt. Luckily, you don't have to be a certified mechanic to prevent costly disasters from occurring.

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We'll teach you about the parts of your vehicle that may need attention in between the suggested professional tune-ups outlined by your owner's manual. Knowing how to carry out fundamental maintenance tasks such as topping off your motor oil when it's a bit low can lengthen your car's lifespan and save you petty costs that add up over time. Having the ability to determine if you need to bring your car to the dealership or if you can address the problem yourself is a major financial advantage that also eliminates the hassle associated with coordinating your schedule with the service department's.

We all know cars are not invincible, and even the highest quality automobiles will run into problems at some point. But, why is it that some cars will last a couple hundred thousand miles and barely need anything beyond an oil change and the occasional brake replacement, while others seem to cause never-ending headaches?

Some cars begin to exhibit problems after being involved in an auto accident, and others can be caused by factory defects. Corrosion also plays a big part in engine breakdown. For instance, if you park a vehicle in a very humid area for months at a time without being driven, the engine will show signs of deterioration compared to a car that is driven on a daily basis. Overall, cars tend to break down simply as a result of inadequate maintenance.

Keep your vehicle’s engine in superb shape

  • Regularly scheduled oil changes are the most beneficial in terms of engine care. Changing the oil more frequently than the manufacturer suggests should improve results even further.
  • Avoid engine overheating.
  • Replacing vital engine components such as the timing belt, air filter, and spark plugs as recommended by the manufacturer will save you money in the future.
  • Learn how to check your car for common problems so that you can address problems before they multiply into something more damaging.

Another important point to keep in mind that many people may not be aware of is that vehicles need a good 15 seconds during hot weather to warm up. If you begin to drive immediately after starting the ignition, it can really do some harm to your vehicle. When a car is parked for an extended period of time, the engine will be cold, and the oil settles in the pan underneath the car. The reason for the delay is that the oil requires time to travel throughout the engine and lubricate all of its inner components. If you don’t allow your car the time to warm up properly, the metal parts of your engine essentially will grind against each other before the oil has a chance to circulate. It’s very similar to someone with an arthritic knee; the person experiences extreme pain from bone rubbing against bone due to the lack of cartilage. People often think that the cause of their vehicle’s breakdown was beyond their control because they don’t realize something as basic as a bit of patience could have prevented it.

If you would like to see your car’s engine last well beyond 100,000 miles, allowing the motor oil to saturate the engine before you drive off is ideal. Don’t forget that an engine needs more time to lubricate in the wintertime because the cold weather causes the oil to thicken and become viscous. This increases the amount of grinding that occurs between engine components because oil flows through the engine at such a slower pace. During extreme cold, five minutes is ample time to allow the engine to warm up. Neglecting your car during the winter months can be particularly harmful to any engine. If you don’t give the engine time to prepare itself, you shouldn’t be surprised when you are faced with a multitude of problems under the hood. In fact, this is a big reason why cars require engine overhauls.

Brake pads, linings, and rotors are the components that make up your vehicle’s brake system, which is located next to each wheel. Each element of the brake system plays a certain role in creating the friction that slows and eventually stops the car.

There are two kinds of brake systems: disc and drum. Disc brakes are the most popular system employed today, and they function very similarly to hand brakes on a bicycle. When you hit the brake pedal on your car, the brake pads squeeze a spinning disc rotor that is fastened to the wheel. The friction that occurs at each wheel is what reduces the vehicle’s speed. The second type, drum brakes, are composed of brake shoes that apply pressure to a spinning drum that is hooked to the wheel. Again, the friction slows the vehicle down.

Since both of these brake systems rely on friction, the parts rapidly become worn down. The question lies in how worn out they should be allowed to get prior to getting them serviced or replaced.

Should I have my brakes examined when the service is recommended?

Definitely.

Why should I do this?

Letting your brakes go is the quickest way to get in an accident.

What happens if I choose to postpone brake maintenance on my car?

If you decide to ignore your failing brake pads and shoes, your vehicle’s brakes will most likely give out in the end. Before that happens, you can cause significant harm to costly brake parts like rotors, drums, and calipers.

Should I bring my vehicle in for a checkup before it is scheduled to be serviced?

Bring your car in to be examined by a professional if you notice any of the following abnormalities:

  • Flashing brake warning light
  • Squealing, chirping, or grinding sounds
  • Thumping sensation while pressing pedal down
  • Vibrating steering wheel
  • Extended stopping distance
  • Car veers to one side while slowing down

Quick tip

The majority of vehicles have disc brakes in the front and back, but some economy cars and many lightweight trucks have front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.